Nora downplays possibility of receiving National Artist award

MANILA, Philippines – Nora Aunor dismissed reports that she is currently in the running to receive a National Artist Award for Film and Broadcast Arts.

Reports that the 60-year-old will receive the prestigious title surfaced late last year, following the delayed conferment of the title to director Manuel Conde, writer Lazaro Francisco, and painter Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, who were proclaimed National Artists in 2009.
 
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“Ang National Artist (award) ang pinakamataas kung ang paguusapan ay ang nasa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino. Yun ang pinapangarap ng lahat ng mga artista—hindi lang artista kundi lahat,” she said during People Asia’s People of the Year Awards Night on Tuesday, January 21.  

Nora added: “Kaya, kung mabibigyan ng ganun ay wala na akong hihilingin pa. Pero ang alam ko, mas marami pa siguro… marami sila.”

Nora was one of the recipients of lifestyle magazine People Asia’s People of the Year award. ABS-CBN channel head Cory Vidanes, Kapamilya actor Coco Martin, singer Kuh Ledesma, and director Brillante Mendoza.

Reigning Miss World Megan Young graced the event to receive her People of the Year award.

The veteran actress nonetheless thanked her fans for believing she deserves the National Artist title. “Maraming salamat sa mga naniniwala sa akin,” Nora said.

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Nora is working on two films this 2014: “Dementia” with Jasmine Curtis-Smith and “Padre de Familia” with Coco Martin and Julia Montes.

Her TV movie “When I Fall in Love,” which also stars Tirso Cruz III and directed by Joel Lamangan, will also air on TV5 in February.